Authorities continue to search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, whose disappearance has sent shockwaves across the United States.
Guthrie was reported missing from her home located near Tucson, Arizona, on February 1. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos stated that she was last seen the previous evening around 9:45 p.m.
The investigation is focusing on the possibility of kidnapping, although leads remain sparse. Ten days after her disappearance, the FBI discovered a disturbing doorbell camera image featuring an armed, masked individual near her residence during the early hours of February 1. This person has since been identified as a suspect.
Chronology of Events Surrounding Guthrie’s Disappearance
As per the Pima County Sheriff’s Office, Guthrie visited her daughter Annie on January 31 and was transported back home to Catalina Foothills, a quiet, unincorporated area. She was reported missing around noon the following day after failing to arrive at a friend’s house for a virtual church service.
Multiple news outlets reported receiving ransom notes related to Nancy Guthrie. NBC News has assessed a copy of one note, which matched descriptions given by both the FBI and other media organizations. However, no law enforcement agency has yet verified the authenticity of these notes. Former FBI agents have remarked that it’s unusual for kidnappers not to establish direct contact or to clarify ransom demands.
Investigative Findings
Sheriff Nanos indicated that Guthrie was likely abducted in the early hours of the morning. Savannah Guthrie revealed that her mother was taken from her home in pajamas, without shoes or medication. Currently, local, state, and federal law enforcement—including the FBI—are participating in the investigation, but a clear motive remains unidentified.
Authorities found blood on the porch outside Nancy’s home, which tested positive for DNA. However, the sheriff’s office declined to comment on potential signs of forced entry. Savannah Guthrie reported that the back door was discovered partially open, raising further concerns.
Additionally, preliminary tests on gloves found approximately three miles from Nancy’s residence revealed DNA from an unidentified male. These gloves appear to match those worn by the individual observed on the security footage outside her home. On February 17, investigators confirmed that the DNA from the gloves did not match any profiles in the FBI’s DNA database.
Emerging Details About the Suspect
A turning point in the case occurred on February 10, when FBI Director Kash Patel released visuals from the doorbell camera showcasing a man in a ski mask armed with a holstered pistol outside Guthrie’s home on the morning she vanished. One of the videos depicts this man tampering with the doorbell camera.
On February 12, the FBI revealed identifying information about the suspect, describing him as having an average build, standing between 5 feet 9 inches and 5 feet 10 inches tall. He was also seen carrying a black Ozark Trail Hiker Pack 25-liter backpack.
Emotional Appeals by the Guthrie Family
Savannah Guthrie, along with her siblings Annie and Camron, shared a series of poignant appeals on Instagram regarding their mother and the ongoing investigation. In a video from February 4, Savannah Guthrie emotionally urged her mother’s captors to return her safely, offering proof of life as assurance for her safety.
In a subsequent video, she addressed the potential kidnapper directly, inviting them to communicate with the family. On February 7, she made it clear that their family was willing to negotiate for Nancy’s safe return.
On February 9, Savannah expressed gratitude for public support while affirming her belief that her mother was still alive. She emphasized the power of prayer and her family’s hope for Nancy’s safe return. Following her mother’s disappearance, Savannah resumed her role as co-anchor for Today on April 6, asserting, “It’s good to be home.”
Unresolved Aspects of the Case
While the investigation continues, law enforcement has not disclosed specific details concerning certain critical questions surrounding the case. Notably, the circumstances surrounding how someone could have entered Guthrie’s home at that hour remain unclear, as does the current status of the doorbell camera. The FBI is persistently examining whether Nancy Guthrie had any essential medications that she has missed since her disappearance.
